By JA
We may not be sitting top of the league, and we may not have Cesc Fabregas playing for us, but apart from those two pretty major factors is there any other reason why you’d be envious of Chelsea fans?
Anyone who regularly attends games will realise that to be a certain Chelsea fan (and with it I mean a fan who goes to their games and lives in the UK) you need to generally be a right sort. Completely blinded by their own self worth, which is occasionally fuelled by a few pints, resulting in a fight after the game.
Last night once again a team that is the most recent of any British side to win the European Cup (Champions League) allow a section of thuggish fans, who travelled to the game in Paris to cause havoc and embarrass the country. Paris; a city similar to London in terms of its diverse and vibrant culture. A city where multiple races, cultures and religions can live in harmony.
However, on the huge stage that is the Champions League knockout round, PSG are drawn against the least desirable fans London has to offer to come to town. This is a Chelsea side that within it has a huge array of different nationalities and races. But last night these fans took it upon themselves to racially abuse a man who was likely finishing his days work and literally kept him off the Metro train home.
As an Arsenal fan of 25 years I can honestly say this is not something I have ever seen at our club. Chelsea, however, always take it to the extreme. This is on any level in terms of chants and songs within their own stadium. Some of them really need to get a life, and probably get a job, too. There is much more to life than football. I do not miss a game, and a bad game does have the potential to ruin my week.
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However, I am educated to know that in 30 years time I will most likely be dead, and I need to respect and appreciate the world in which I live. There will no doubt be some racists out there who believe how they act is funny or acceptable, and if that’s the case I urge you to go an be a Chelsea fan.
I am not for one moment saying all Blues fans are like this but, when it comes to the holding the title for most reprehensible fans in London they win it hands down. I went to the game at West Ham over Christmas, and trust me, they have a few questionable fans and Upton Park is a right shed in the middle of one of the biggest dives in London. There were some fans on the train on the way up there, who like the Chelsea fans in Paris, had one too many cans of Skol and got a bit loud and leary. However, the songs and the banter was generally in good spirits and this, I think, can be accepted to a level.
We need to address the bigger picture and football needs to take a stand on this. This is not just Chelsea fans that will get a tarnished reputation because of what happened last night but all English fans supporting their clubs overseas. The Kick it Out Campaign fight hard to eradicate this from the English game, and after last night they must think ‘what’s the point?’ As, like us they know nothing will happen to these clowns.
Remember these are fans of a team that have John Terry as a captain. Is there a more dislikable player in the whole of Europe? His father is a known shoplifter, and he has been proved is a racist. Again Chelsea got away lightly on that scenario. How can we allow this to keep happening?
What chance have we got to ever host a World Cup?
I know if this was Arsenal who did this last night I would not be annoyed if we were thrown out of the competition. The only way this can work is if the authorities come down hard. I would even back an entire European ban for English teams if there is another incident like this.
I am sorry, I know this is an Arsenal blog, and I generally enjoy writing about it, but sometimes the bigger picture needs to be looked at. As I say, just be happy you support a decent side. Arsenal may not win anything this year but I can always support A-B-C.
Anyone But Chelsea!!!
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